Baked by Melissa

Founded: 2008
Founder: Melissa Ben-Ishay
Headquarters: 104 W 14th St Fl 4, New York, New York, 10011, USA
Phone: 212-842-0220
Number of employees: 400
Website: www.bakedbymelissa.com

Overview

Baked by Melissa is a cupcake bakery based in New York City, United States. Its founder, Melissa Ben-Ishay, was fired from her job as an assistant media planner in 2008. Not long after, she took a leap of faith, baked 250 cupcakes, and brought them to her brother’s office. Her brother’s coworkers loved the cupcakes so much that he suggested Melissa start her own baking company, thus setting the stage for the founding of Baked by Melissa.

In 2009, Melissa teamed up with her brother Brian and business partner Matt, and “Baked by Melissa” was born. The first shop was opened in the heart of SoHo in Manhattan, New York, and since then, the company has experienced significant growth. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the brand has established more than 14 stores around New York City.

Baked by Melissa has become known for its unique product offering. The bakery specializes in bite-sized cupcakes, which are just over an inch in diameter, and offers a vast variety of flavors. In addition to its signature tie-dye cupcakes, other popular flavors include cookie dough, peanut butter and jelly, mint cookie, triple chocolate fudge, and more. To keep the selection fresh and exciting, the company often introduces seasonal flavors. Moreover, “Baked by Melissa” also offers gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options to cater to customers with specific dietary needs.

Partnerships

Baked by Melissa has indeed entered into several partnerships since its establishment, often using these collaborations to launch special editions of their bite-sized cupcakes.

In 2019, “Baked by Melissa” collaborated with fashion designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia to create a fashion-inspired line of cupcakes. This partnership was a creative blend of fashion and food, resulting in cupcakes designed to mirror Alice + Olivia’s 2019 spring collection.

The company has also partnered with various celebrities and influencers to create unique cupcakes and raise awareness for charitable causes. For instance, in 2020, they collaborated with Broadway actress Marissa Jaret Winokur, creating a special edition cupcake pack inspired by Winokur’s favorite flavors. Proceeds from the sales of this cupcake pack were donated to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Awards and Recognitions

Baked by Melissa and its founder, Melissa Ben-Ishay, have indeed been the recipients of several awards and recognitions throughout their journey.

The company’s cupcakes were recognized by Time Out New York in 2012, being listed as one of the “100 Best Things We Ate.” This recognition highlighted the company’s creative approach to cupcakes and commitment to flavor and quality.

Founder Melissa Ben-Ishay received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 New York Award in the Retail and Consumer Products category. This prestigious award recognized Melissa’s entrepreneurial spirit and the significant growth and success Baked by Melissa has achieved under her leadership.

Also, in 2011, Baked by Melissa was named one of the top places to visit in New York City by NY Daily News, underscoring the company’s popularity among locals and tourists alike.

These recognitions serve to confirm the company’s commitment to quality and innovation, while also showcasing its growing influence in the retail and culinary sectors.

Commitment to Sustainability

Baked by Melissa has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. The company is mindful of its environmental impact and has taken steps towards more sustainable practices, specifically regarding its packaging.

The company had been transitioning to more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. They opted for biodegradable and recyclable materials for their packaging, showing a commitment to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental footprint. Additionally, Baked by Melissa has also been conscious of ingredient sourcing and operational efficiency in an attempt to reduce waste and optimize resource utilization.

Charity Initiatives

Baked by Melissa” has indeed engaged in charitable activities, as part of their broader commitment to making a positive impact on their community. Through their “Side with Love” initiative, the company has donated cupcakes to local charities in the New York City area.

Furthermore, the company has also participated in charity collaborations. For instance, in 2020, they partnered with Broadway actress Marissa Jaret Winokur to create a special edition cupcake pack. Proceeds from the sales of this pack were donated to COVID-19 relief efforts, demonstrating the company’s commitment to giving back during times of crisis. These charitable endeavors are a testament to “Baked by Melissa’s” corporate social responsibility and their dedication to supporting their local community.

In conclusion, “Baked by Melissa” is a story of passion, resilience, and success. Despite its relatively short history, the company has managed to make a significant mark in the industry, not only through its product offerings but also through its commitment to quality, innovation, and social responsibility. Moving forward, “Baked by Melissa” will likely continue to bring joy to its customers, one bite-sized cupcake at a time.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.